ABSTRACT
This work, designed to be used as a basic textbook for student teachers taking B.Ed and PGCE initial training courses: provides an accessible but rigorous treatment of early childhood education, integrating ideas and practice; acts as a springboard for students' further study; arose out of the concerns and needs expressed by students themselves; and has been written from a well-known centre for early childhood studies. Practitioner examples are included throughout, together with selected readings.
